Abstract

To delve deeper into the relationship between the right to health, the macro-allocation of health resources, and the merit criterion, the proposed approach is outlined as follows. Starting with a theoretical exploration of the content encapsulated within the merit criterion, the focus then shifts to a specific scenario: the economic rationale for deeming the healthcare system a «merit good». Subsequently, the obtained results will be compared, emphasizing how distinct models of resource allocation (such as the Beveridge model, Bismarck model, and private-sector model) react differently to the notion of merit. The paper underscores the ramifications of incorporating a meritocratic criterion in health resource allocation, shedding light on the implications for the right to health.